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Welcome to Waterloo's web site. We hope you participate as a community and make this site your own. There is a forum and picture gallery where you can share in conversation or upload a photo. Many of the areas events will be listed in the news section, forums, and event calendar.

We ask you to register so you can participate on the site. An administrator will need to manually activate your account. This allows us to keep the spammers away.

Can’t make the park opening on Saturday, or you just can’t get enough of the new course?

Come play the first mini with Waterloo!

Sunday, June 10thSign up begins 9:00, Round starts 10:00PROS: $13 + $2 ace; AMS: $8 + $2 aceDocumented course volunteers will receive $5 discount
If there’s an ace,Waterloo will add $200 to the winnings. If no ace, there will be a CTP for the $2/each ace money.

Kudos to the City of Austin, Austin PARD, Waterloo, SADA, Disc Nation and many, many volunteers to make this cutting edge course come to be – thank you!!!!

Recently the Waterloo Disc Golf Club put together a questionnaire and sent it to all the Austin City Council candidates. We think it is important for disc golfers to know where these candidates stand on these issues. We have compiled the responses and we will be posting them on our website and Facebook page. They are listed in their entirety below.
We have also noted who chose NOT to respond to the questionnaire, as well as the few for whom we couldn’t even find on-line contact information.

Of the 14 candidates in this election, 6 responded, 5 did not, and 3 could not be contacted. This is a big improvement from last year when only 3 out of the 11 candidates responded and the other 8 did not.

The election is next Saturday, May 12th. Please vote!

Candidates for Mayor

Clay Dafoe1. Do you think that our sport is bad for or a threat to the environment, if so, how?
Disc golf is in no way a threat to the environment. As a long time disc golfer myself, I understand how the existence of disc golf courses actually helps the environment as it preserves park land that otherwise could be artificially landscaped or even developed. Disc golfers are respectful of the land and their presence is a detriment to crime and littering in our parks.
The heartbreaking closing of the Pease Park Disc Golf Course was predicated on faulty logic and a general misunderstanding of disc golf's overall impact on the park. The City did not complete an honest method of consulting varied sources when making the decision to close Pease. The City Council unfairly used disc golf as a scapegoat for environmental issues with Pease that in my opinion centers around heavy car traffic on North Lamar and pollution caused by the use of fertilizers on nearby properties that contribute to erosion. The worst part of the process was the Council's failure to listen to the concerns of disc golfers and their inability to recognize the overwhelming benefit that Pease Park disc golf has to the City of Austin and State of Texas. If elected Mayor, I will work to return disc golf to Pease Park and deal with the park's environmental problems in a more transparent and democratic way.

2. When reviewing the environmental consequences of recreational proposals and existing activities, should PARD, the Parks Board and Council apply standards consistently to all recreational users?
Absolutely, the City Council should exercise a wider degree of fairness whenever reviewing the environmental consequences of recreational proposals and existing activities. As mentioned above, I feel the Council's standard of evaluating environmental consequences unfairly targeted disc golf while ignoring other possible causes for environmental problems in Pease. We should never address environmental issues with an preconceived agenda of a desired outcome. Instead, we should work to balance these concerns with a purpose to preserve long time recognized activities in parks.

3. We feel the sport of disc golf can work in conjunction with land preservation and erosion control, as can be seen at the new Roy G. Guerrero course that opens this spring, as well as recent renovations at older parks such as Circle C and Mary Moore Searight. A disc golf course allows most of the trees and other foliage to remain untouched, unlike concrete courts, grass-mowed fields and cleared areas that other sports utilize. Do you support establishing new disc golf courses in other Austin parks in the future?
I agree that disc golf courses help preserve the natural aspects of parks by protecting trees, foliage and open fields. When economically feasible, I support establishing new disc golf courses in Austin parks. Knowing the importance of having a disc golf course in central Austin with close proximity to UT to encourage growth of the sport, I would focus primarily on reopening the Pease Park disc golf course.

4. What factors should be considered when deciding whether public park land should be used for recreational activities or preserved?
The main factors that should be considered when deciding whether park land should be preserved or used for recreation should be the citizens' overall desire for potential uses of the land, the proximity of nearby parkland and its activity offerings, and identifying land that may have outstanding qualities that would qualify it for preservation. I believe we should gear our parks system toward allowing active use for recreation and only designate preserves where park land contains special features that merit protection. We should never limit our citizens' ability to use parkland for recreation by charging for activity use or creating onerous burdens by requiring permits for trainers who utilize our park space.

5. Where do you stand on organized activities such as disc golf on park land?
I am a supporter of organized activities such as disc golf on park land. I would encourage growth of the sport in park land by ensuring that long time disc golf courses are kept open as an integral part of our parks system. I would never allow flimsy evidence of environmental degradation blamed on disc golfers to influence my decision making when it comes to managing courses. I would be a strong proponent of protecting disc golf courses on park land throughout Austin.

6. If a group such as ours is using parkland for our supported activities, what is a reasonable partnership between WDGC and the city?
A reasonable partnership would be to allow WDGC's input to be fairly considered by the City Council when making decisions about disc golf courses on city park land. I want disc golfers to enjoy their past time without hindrance or over-regulation by the City. I will respect disc golf's importance as an activity in our parks system and most importantly, work to restore the Pease Park course. The City of Austin should be proud it has hosted one of the top courses in the state. Let us take the initiative to return the sport to Pease Park.

Lee Leffingwell1. Do you think that our sport is bad for or a threat to the environment, if so, how?
No, I believe that disc golf is a wonderful way for Austinites to enjoy our public
parks and community spaces.

2. When reviewing the environmental consequences of recreational proposals and existing activities, should PARD, the Parks Board and Council apply standards consistently to all recreational users?
Yes.

3. We feel the sport of disc golf can work in conjunction with land preservation and erosion control, as can be seen at the new Roy G. Guerrero course that opens this spring, as well as recent renovations at older parks such as Circle C and Mary Moore Searight. A disc golf course allows most of the trees and other foliage to remain untouched, unlike concrete courts, grass-mowed fields and cleared areas that other sports utilize. Do you support establishing new disc golf courses in other Austin parks in the future?
I hope to see disc golf continue to increase in popularity. As the demand for
more disc golf courses develops, I look forward to our city government
satiating that demand through new facilities.

4. What factors should be considered when deciding whether public park land
should be used for recreational activities or preserved?
There are lots of different types of public land with many different types of
uses. We must balance access to natural areas with the needs of our local
ecosystem. That being said, each situation needs to be evaluated on its own
merits.

5. Where do you stand on organized activities such as disc golf on park land?
We have to balance the needs of many Ausinities who use our parks. Not
every park can have BMX facilities, a skate park or a disc golf course. But,
we can make sure that the entire Austin parks system does provide the
resources and recreational spaces that Austinites demand. The more demand
there is for disc golf, the more resources and space will be dedicated to it.

6. If a group such as ours is using parkland for our supported activities, what is a
reasonable partnership between WDGC and the city?
Both WDGC and the City of Austin need to work together. The Parks
Department does not have expertise at running a disc golf facility and
WDGC does not have expertise at running a comprehensive parks facilities.
Both entities need to meet half way, acknowledge each others strengths and
weaknesses and collaborate together to make our parks accessible and fun
for all Austinites.

Brigid Shea – Did Not Respond

Candidates for City Council – Place 2Mike Martinez1. Do you think that our sport is bad for or a threat to the environment, if so, how?
With the proper planning and precautions, disc golf does not pose a threat to the environment. Disc Golf courses can and have been designed in concert with the environment.

2. When reviewing the environmental consequences of recreational proposals and existing activities, should PARD, the Parks Board and Council apply standards consistently to all recreational users?
We need to be consistent when evaluating proposals for new facilities and activities. The City’s policies for parks are designed to allow the maximum use and enjoyment for citizens while protecting our parkland. In the rare case where a variance may be required, we should strive to find solutions that will help us maintain our same standards for environmental protection and access for citizens.

3. We feel the sport of disc golf can work in conjunction with land preservation and erosion control, as can be seen at the new Roy G. Guerrero course that opens this spring, as well as recent renovations at older parks such as Circle C and Mary Moore Searight. A disc golf course allows most of the trees and other foliage to remain untouched, unlike concrete courts, grass-mowed fields and cleared areas that other sports utilize. Do you support establishing new disc golf courses in other Austin parks in the future?
I support establishing new courses so that the sport can be enjoyed by citizens in all areas of Austin. I believe the work done to incorporate land preservation and erosion control at Roy G. Guerrero can be used as a template for best practices when planning future courses around town.

4. What factors should be considered when deciding whether public park land should be used for recreational activities or preserved?
Areas that are environmentally sensitive or have critical environmental features as well as those with cultural significance should be preserved. Any park lands, if developed, should comply with our environmental regulations and be used for activities that are suitable to the terrain, topography and existing vegetation.

5. Where do you stand on organized activities such as disc golf on park land?
I am in favor of disc golf courses and other projects when sited in appropriate locations and the community requests or supports them.

6. If a group such as ours is using parkland for our supported activities, what is a reasonable partnership between WDGC and the city?
I’m willing to explore how this could work. We have existing partnerships with other organizations such as little leagues that use parkland in return for maintenance and providing a service to the community. Those tend to have more exclusive use to the facilities so that might not be the best fit for disc golf, but I’m happy to meet with your organization to discuss what options are available that could work to everyone’s benefit.

Laura Pressley1. Do you think that our sport is bad for or a threat to the environment, if so, how?
No, I do not think that disc golf is a threat to the environment. The more we exercise and get exercise and fresh air, the more healthy we are.

2. When reviewing the environmental consequences of recreational proposals and existing activities, should PARD, the Parks Board and Council apply standards consistently to all recreational users?
Yes, the Parks Board and Council should consistently apply consistent rules, standards and regulations to all recreational users. The exception would be when there are specific uses and rules for activities that are unique and needed.

3. We feel the sport of disc golf can work in conjunction with land preservation and erosion control, as can be seen at the new Roy G. Guerrero course that opens this spring, as well as recent renovations at older parks such as Circle C and Mary Moore Searight. A disc golf course allows most of the trees and other foliage to remain untouched, unlike concrete courts, grass-mowed fields and cleared areas that other sports utilize. Do you support establishing new disc golf courses in other Austin parks in the future?
Absolutely.

4. What factors should be considered when deciding whether public park land
should be used for recreational activities or preserved?
I think the purpose of open spaces and park land is for citizen use, recreation, and gatherings. As long as the property is not damaged, this is why we have parks...to be used and enjoyed.

5. Where do you stand on organized activities such as disc golf on park land?
I strongly support it as long as there is no danger to other citizens in the area.

6. If a group such as ours is using parkland for our supported activities, what is a reasonable partnership between WDGC and the city?
I really support partnerships between groups with potentially varying goals and agendas. My office will be available to help bridge gaps, encourage compromises, etc. so we can work together.

Candidates for City Council – Place 5

Tina Cannon1. Do you think that our sport is bad for or a threat to the environment, if so, how?
No more than any other activity in a public park. That is what the space is there for, for residents to use for recreation.
2. When reviewing the environmental consequences of recreational proposals and existing activities, should PARD, the Parks Board and Council apply standards consistently to all recreational users?
Yes.

3. We feel the sport of disc golf can work in conjunction with land preservation and erosion control, as can be seen at the new Roy G. Guerrero course that opens this spring, as well as recent renovations at older parks such as Circle C and Mary Moore Searight. A disc golf course allows most of the trees and other foliage to remain untouched, unlike concrete courts, grass-mowed fields and cleared areas that other sports utilize. Do you support establishing new disc golf courses in other Austin parks in the future?
Certainly, this is a healthy sport that can be played by all ages and abilities with little or no impact.
4. What factors should be considered when deciding whether public park land should be used for recreational activities or preserved?
Environment, safety and accessibility.

5. Where do you stand on organized activities such as disc golf on park land?
Austin is an active community and I will support activities that do not impact the environment or general safety of all park users.

6. If a group such as ours is using parkland for our supported activities, what is a reasonable partnership between WDGC and the city?
I am sure there are standards in place for use and I would apply to all applicants from Girl scouts to Disc Golfers.

Bill Spelman1. Do you think that our sport is bad for or a threat to the environment, if so, how?
Disc golf is not bad for the environment. Thoughtless course layout, poor course maintenance, and improper adherence to course rules can threaten the health of a course. But with proper care and appropriate guidelines, disc golf helps folks get out, enjoy, and interact with our beautiful environment.

2. When reviewing the environmental consequences of recreational proposals and existing activities, should PARD, the Parks Board and Council apply standards consistently to all recreational users?
We should be using general guidelines to determine the appropriateness of recreational parkland use but each specific use will come with its own specific requirements and impacts. So while we need to consider things like how a recreational use will impact the land or prevent other recreational uses of the same space, we need to consider the unique costs and benefits of the each specific use.

3. We feel the sport of disc golf can work in conjunction with land preservation and erosion control, as can be seen at the new Roy G. Guerrero course that opens this spring, as well as recent renovations at older parks such as Circle C and Mary Moore Searight. A disc golf course allows most of the trees and other foliage to remain untouched, unlike concrete courts, grass-mowed fields and cleared areas that other sports utilize. Do you support establishing new disc golf courses in other Austin parks in the future?
Yes, I would support adding more courses in the future. Disc golf provides users with a natural environmental experience and disc golf courses can provide course neighbors with well-maintained and undeveloped open spaces that are likely to remain in their natural state.

4. What factors should be considered when deciding whether public park land should be used for recreational activities or preserved?
There are a host of factors that should be considered, including the environmental sensitivity of the land, what species inhabit the area, the land’s role in our water system, proximity of residents to the land, and level of demand for recreational activities. Decisions must be in line with past parkland and preservation land planning efforts and must be discussed openly with neighbors of the land. The impact of a use on the neighborhood and regional community should be considered, as should a uses ability to leverage community partnerships or additional resources.

5. Where do you stand on organized activities such as disc golf on park land?
I am generally supportive of organized activities as they promote the use of and interaction with our natural environment, get our residents outside and moving their bodies (and their brains), and often help enhance the environmental awareness of activity participants. We have to consider the activity’s impact on the ability of other users to enjoy the parkland and the activity’s overall impact on the land itself.

6. If a group such as ours is using parkland for our supported activities, what is a reasonable partnership between WDGC and the city?
Assuming the partnership involves dedicating parkland to the development of new disc golf courses, a primary role that WDGC can play is to promote more formal relationships between the City and other disc golf clubs and players. Disc golfers are on the whole supportive community members who take responsibility for maintaining the well-being of parkland. So any partnership between WDGC and the City of Austin should incorporate golfers’ natural interests in keep the parks clean, the courses maintained, and the environment in which courses are located healthy. There may be specific parkland/course mitigation needs that WDGC could help address but those should be addressed on a course-by-course basis. PARD should be responsible for providing parkland, maintaining the courses and their surroundings, and creating appropriate volunteer opportunities for disc golf players to give back to parks. PARD's and WDGC's interests are well-aligned; a more formal partnership will help to cement the relationship.

Bo Prudente – Unable to Contact
John Rubine – Unable to Contact
Dominic Chavez – Did Not Respond
David Conley – Did Not Respond
John Duffy – Did Not Respond

Candidates for City Council – Place 6Shaun Ireland – Unable to Contact
Sheryl Cole – Did Not Respond

The Roy G. Guerrero Disc Golf Course will OFFICIALLY open on JUNE 9th!!

Plan of Day (be Flexible...)

Our goal is to have the BEST Disc Golf Course Grand Opening Austin has EVER seen.

*BRING YOUR KIDS and FAMILY*
- lots of goodies for kiddie and young Frisbee/DG'ers
[arrive EARLY if you want to volunteer]
* we will do last minute mulching, placing the baskets, mounting the signs to the stone pedestals*
For the Day:
- Arrive Early for fun & play
- vendors will be setting up by 0800hrs
- come check out the booths and have some coffee, tacos, food, etc.
- participate in the demonstrations
- enter the raffles
- meet the LOCAL Parks Department and convey your thanks!

What to Expect:
- Frisbee Freestyle Demonstrations
- DDC (Double Disc Court)
- Ultimate Frisbee Games and Mini's on the Softball Field
- Kids putting and disc demos
- driving/putting clinics for the experienced folk
- DONATE SOME CASH to some of the great vendors and groups out there like E.D.G.E. (Educational Disc Golf Experience)
- DJ Music and LIVE Bands
- buy commemorative discs/shirts from the opening
- visit the Disc Nation Trailer
- visit some local equipment vendors
- visit some local clubs/members = JOIN UP OR RENEW!!

Plus MUCH MORE that will happen onsite.

Please consider bringing money to support the donations that are being accepted by many of the groups present.

Please consider THANKING people for the hard work that was put in on this course.

TIMELINE0630-0800 = event/vendor setup0800 = arrive and socialize to see whats going on0800-1000 = demonstration's and fun1000-1030 = Grand Opening Putting by Local Officials at the Putting Greens1030 - ?? = Open Play, Cards of FOUR only to keep things moving... lets get Newcomers out there to play!!!
... BUT NOW YOU KNOW!!!

Early voting for the 2012 Austin City Council election began today (Monday, April 30th). The election is Saturday, May 12th.

Waterloo Disc Golf Club strongly encourages all Austin residents to vote in this election. Vote early or vote on election day, but please get out there and vote, it is important!

As we have found out, the people who sit on the Austin City Council DO affect disc golf in Austin.

But if you are going to vote early, please hold off another day or two.

Last month, the club sent out a questionnaire to all the council candidates asking about disc golf issues. We are compiling the replies (and in some cases, lack of replies) from the candidates and will be posting them soon to Facebook and our website, and we will email them out too.

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